What’s in a Word: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Stems

A really good way to increase your word power in English is to learn common prefixes, stems, and suffixes in English.

Prefixes are the part of a word that comes at the beginning before its stem or root.

For example, most students know that “re” means “again.” This helps them when they learn new words that begin with “re,” such as:

reply

replay

restore

review

revisit

regain

They know the prefixes “com” and “con” mean “together.” This helps when they see words like:

combine

communicate

compress

confirm

convene

(Spelling Hint: We use com before “b,” “p,” and “m” and con before all other letters.)

The prefix “e” means “out of” or “away.” This makes it easier to understand words like:

erase

evict

evoke

evade

A stem is the core or heart of a word.

For example, the stem “voc” means voice. If you know this, it becomes easier to predict what a word like vocal means—talking a lot.

Once we start combining our knowledge of prefixes with our knowledge of stems, we can really show off. Look at the three prefixes we learned in combination with this stem “voc.”

When we revoke something, like a license, we take it back, essentially taking away your voice.

A convocation is a gathering where people come together to discuss something important.

We notice an evocative thing. It calls out to us about something.

A suffix is the part of the word that comes at the end. Suffixes often tell us about the part of speech of a word.

For example, “tion” and “sion” are suffixes that tell us something is a noun. Think of words like:

pollution

ambition

evolution

passion

session

depression

There are many lists of these word parts on-line (see below). They are a necessary resource for anyone planning on attending an American university. They will help you succeed on the TOEFL test and in the classroom.